Crate assembly

ABSTRACT

A crate system configured to enable removal of a container from the crate system; the crate system has a first wall further comprising a first wall handle reinforcement configured to accommodate human fingers. A second wall is attached to the first wall with a first corner, and further comprising, a second wall lower retaining portion terminating in a lower ledge. An upper ledge and a bottom, joining the first wall and the second wall. The container is configured to fit between the lower ledge and the upper ledge.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments herein relate generally to devices that store stacks of fluids, such as jugs of water, milk or anything similar.

Prior to embodiments of the disclosed invention, grocery store stocking clerks were required to stack and un-stack full crates of milk, water or another fluid that could weigh more than 50 pounds. The physical demands could lead to fatigue, physical injury or both.

SUMMARY

A crate system configured to enable removal of a container from the crate system; the crate system has a first wall further comprising a first wall handle reinforcement configured to accommodate human fingers. A second wall is attached to the first wall with a first corner, and further comprising, a second wall lower retaining portion terminating in a lower ledge. An upper ledge and a bottom, joining the first wall and the second wall. The container is configured to fit between the lower ledge and the upper ledge.

In some embodiments, a third wall can be attached to the second wall with a second corner. The third wall includes a third wall handle reinforcement configured to accommodate the human fingers. The upper ledge and the bottom can be further attached to the third wall.

In some embodiments, a fourth wall can be attached to the third wall with a third corner. The fourth wall can be attached to the first will with a fourth corner. The fourth wall can include a fourth wall lower retaining portion terminating in a fourth wall lower ledge.

In some embodiments, the upper ledge and the bottom can be further attached to the fourth wall. The container can be configured to fit between the fourth wall lower ledge and the upper ledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, shown in use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a section view of an embodiment of the invention, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a section view of an embodiment of the invention, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a section view of an embodiment of the invention with a container in place, illustrating the removal of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

By way of example, and referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of crate system 10 is configured to dispense container C to user U. As shown in FIG. 2, crate system 10 further comprises first side 12. First side 12 further comprises first wall 14. First wall 14 is mechanically coupled to first corner 16. First wall 12 also comprises first wall handle reinforcement 18. First wall handle reinforcement 18 is configured to accommodate human fingers. First wall 14 is mechanically coupled to second wall 26.

Second wall 26 further comprises second wall lower retaining portion 20. Second wall lower retaining portion 20 is mechanically coupled to lower ledge 22. First wall 12 and second wall 26 are mechanically coupled to upper ledge 32 and crate bottom 24. Second wall 26 further comprises second wall handle reinforcement 28. Second wall handle reinforcement 28 is configured to accommodate human fingers. Second wall 26 is further mechanically coupled to second corner 30.

Second corner 30 is mechanically coupled to third wall 34. Third wall 34 is mechanically coupled to third corner 36. Third wall 34 further comprises third wall handle reinforcement 38. Third wall handle reinforcement 38 is configured to accommodate human fingers. Third corner 36 is mechanically coupled to fourth wall 46.

Fourth wall 46 further comprises fourth wall lower retaining portion 40. Fourth wall lower retaining portion 40 is mechanically coupled to fourth wall lower ledge 42. Third wall 34 and fourth wall 46 are mechanically coupled to upper ledge 32 and crate bottom 24. Fourth wall 46 further comprises fourth wall handle reinforcement 48. Fourth wall handle reinforcement 48 is configured to accommodate human fingers. Fourth wall 46 is further mechanically coupled to fourth corner 50. Fourth corner 50 is further mechanically coupled to first side 12.

With regard to orientation, it is noteworthy that second wall lower retaining portion 20 and fourth wall lower retaining portion 40 have a height that is no more than 25% the distance between crate bottom 24 and a handle on container C. This facilitates removing container C from crate system 10. Lower ledge 22 is proximate first corner 16 while fourth wall lower ledge 42 is proximate third corner 36. This offset arrangement makes it less likely that user U will accidently knock container C from crate system 10.

As used in this application mechanically coupled means “joined in any known way whether directly or indirectly.” The components above listed as mechanically coupled could also be “directly attached” or “molded together.” The latter is the most specific and refers to the process of making resin molded single units which is the most common way of making crates.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A crate system configured to enable removal of a container from the crate system; the crate system comprising: a first wall further comprising a first wall handle reinforcement configured to accommodate human fingers; a second wall, attached to the first wall with a first corner, and further comprising, a second wall lower retaining portion terminating in a lower ledge; an upper ledge and a bottom, joining the first wall and the second wall; wherein the container is configured to fit between the lower ledge and the upper ledge.
 2. The crate system of claim 1, further comprising a third wall, attached to the second wall with a second corner, and further comprising, a third wall handle reinforcement configured to accommodate the human fingers.
 3. The crate system of claim 2, wherein the upper ledge and the bottom are further attached to the third wall.
 4. The crate system of claim 3, further comprising a fourth wall, attached to the third wall with a third corner; attached to the first will with a fourth corner; and further comprising, a fourth wall lower retaining portion terminating in a fourth wall lower ledge.
 5. The crate system of claim 4, wherein the upper ledge and the bottom are further attached to the fourth wall; wherein the container is configured to fit between the fourth wall lower ledge and the upper ledge. 